Sundown Orchard Spice

The Sundown Orchard Spice is a delightful non-alcoholic beverage that captures the essence of autumn in a glass. It perfectly balances the sweetness of fresh apple cider with the warmth of a homemade spiced syrup featuring cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. A splash of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy lift, while a topping of ginger ale provides a gentle, spicy effervescence. This mocktail is a sophisticated and comforting choice for any occasion.
Sundown Orchard Spice

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is classified as a contemporary mocktail, meaning it is a modern, non-alcoholic creation. It's designed to offer a complex and satisfying flavor experience similar to a craft cocktail, but without the alcohol.

Serving

Serve this non-alcoholic drink cold in a tall Highball glass filled with ice to maintain its refreshing crispness. The serving size is a standard single portion.
Serving size
Approximately 240 ml / 8 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The Sundown Orchard Spice was created as a sophisticated non-alcoholic option for autumn gatherings and holiday celebrations. Its creator wanted to design a drink that felt both festive and comforting, reminiscent of walking through an apple orchard on a crisp evening. The blend of spices was chosen to evoke the aroma of freshly baked apple pie and warm mulled cider, making it an instant seasonal favorite.
Origin
This is a modern mocktail recipe, likely originating in North America or Europe in the 21st century. It doesn't have a single point of origin but is part of the growing craft mocktail movement, drawing inspiration from traditional autumn flavors like mulled cider and spiced apple drinks.

Sundown Orchard Spice

The drink is primarily known as Sundown Orchard Spice, a name that evokes the cozy, warm feelings of an autumn evening. Alternative names like Spiced Apple Sunset or Autumn Orchard Fizz highlight its key flavor components and seasonal character.
Original name
Sundown Orchard Spice
Alternative names
  • Spiced Apple Sunset
  • Autumn Orchard Fizz

Characteristics overview

This drink features a warm, spicy aroma and a flavor profile dominated by sweet apple and autumnal spices, balanced by a crisp texture. Its beautiful amber color and gentle fizz make it a visually appealing and seasonally appropriate beverage.
Flavor
Apple, sweet, warming spice, cinnamon, star anise, clove, citrusy, ginger
Aroma
Fruity, spicy, aromatic, warm
Taste balance
Sweet, sour, spicy
Aftertaste
Warm, lingering spice, clean
Fizziness
Gently sparkling, bubbly
Color appearance
Amber, golden-brown, clear to slightly cloudy
Texture
Light, crisp, effervescent
Seasonality
Warming, autumnal, wintery, festive

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, led by a pleasant fruitiness and warm spice notes. It has a balanced sweetness and a touch of sourness, with no alcohol and a medium level of carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe calls for a base of apple cider, flavored with a homemade spiced simple syrup and balanced with fresh lemon juice. The drink is finished with a splash of ginger ale for fizz and spice.
  • Apple Cider or Cloudy Apple Juice120 ml / 4 oz
    Use high-quality, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor. Cloudy apple juice is a good substitute.
  • Spiced Simple Syrup20 ml / 0.75 oz
    To make, simmer 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 star anise, and 5 cloves for 10 minutes. Strain and cool before use.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed juice is essential for a bright flavor.
  • Ginger Ale60 ml / 2 oz, to top
    Choose a ginger ale with a good spicy kick. Ginger beer can also be used for a stronger flavor.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker to chill and combine the ingredients, a jigger for accurate measurements, and a strainer to pour the drink without ice shards.
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Strainer

Instructions

Preparation involves shaking the apple cider, spiced syrup, and lemon juice with ice, then straining it into an ice-filled glass. The drink is finished by topping it with ginger ale and adding the garnish.
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add the apple cider, spiced simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice to the shaker.
3. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
4. Fill a highball glass with fresh ice cubes.
5. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass.
6. Top with ginger ale and give it a gentle stir.
7. Garnish with a thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick before serving.

Garnishing

Garnish with a thin slice of a crisp apple and a whole cinnamon stick to enhance the drink's autumnal aroma and appearance.
  • Thin apple slice, placed on the rim or floating in the drink.
  • Cinnamon stick, placed in the glass as a stirrer.

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and gluten. It is fully vegan, vegetarian, caffeine-free, and contains no alcohol.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This mocktail is relatively low in calories but contains a moderate to high amount of sugar, primarily from the apple juice and simple syrup. The carbohydrate content is reflective of its sugary ingredients.
Calories
Averagely 110-140 kcal / 460-585 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 28-35 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 25-32 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This mocktail is perfect for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving, and other holiday parties. It also serves as a wonderful, comforting drink for a cozy night in by the fire.
  • Autumn Gatherings
  • Holiday Parties
  • Cozy Night In
  • Dinner Parties

Pairing suggestions

This mocktail pairs beautifully with flavors of the autumn season. It complements savory cheese boards and roasted nuts, and also serves as a wonderful accompaniment to desserts like apple crumble. Its spicy notes can also stand up to savory pastries and appetizers.
  • Cheese boards with aged cheddar or brie
  • Roasted or spiced nuts
  • Autumnal desserts like apple crumble or pumpkin pie
  • Savory pastries or sausage rolls

Sundown Orchard Spice: A Taste of Autumn in a Glass

The Sundown Orchard Spice is a thoughtfully crafted mocktail that provides a rich and complex flavor experience without any alcohol. Its foundation of sweet apple cider is beautifully enhanced by a custom-made spiced syrup, creating a taste that is both familiar and exciting. The addition of lemon juice and ginger ale provides balance and a refreshing finish. It's an ideal choice for anyone seeking a festive, seasonal, and sophisticated non-alcoholic drink.

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